On March 27, 2012, to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Queen, an ancient ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace. A number of institutions presented Loyal Addresses to the Queen, thanking her … more

This previously published Noach column by Rabbi Weinreb focuses on trauma, making it especially relevant this week. There are many words in the English language that originally had great power … more

Virtuous testimony By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 20, 2009 / 24 Adar 5769 After the debacle of the Golden Calf, the question must be asked: were the Israelites completely forgiven for … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of July 3, 2009 / 11 Tammuz 5769 Imagine a group of strangers knock on your front door. They seem imposing. But they are nonetheless polite and assure you they mean … more

He was a battalion commander with the rank of Major in an elite Golani (infanty) unit. In most armies, that would have meant he was commanding battles from a rear position, but in the IDF, commanders … more

The shofar sounding last Sunday began the wake-up call of the month of Elul that reminds us that Rosh Hashana will soon be upon us. The commentary of Rabbeinu Bachya on the coming parshas has found … more

The post-Flood world should have been one in which mankind felt chastened and humbled before the Almighty, having just survived near universal decimation. Moreover, logic would dictate that they … more

Many years ago, when I was in high school, my mother arranged for me to get a ride to school once a week with one of the teachers. We lived in Manhattan, and as the high school I attended was in … more

Shabbat Nitzavim, the concluding parasha of the Jewish calendar year, is an ideal time for in-depth introspection. As we approach Rosh Hashana we reflect on our past shortcomings and intensify … more

How old was Moshe when he fled from Egypt in Chapter 2? Depending which midrash you follow, he was either a teenager, 20, or 40. No matter which approach we follow, he spent at least 40 years in … more